SD Panel Endorses Abortion Counseling Measure

pierre, sd

A South Dakota House committee has endorsed a measure that would require women to consult with pregnancy help centers before getting abortions.

The bill says an abortion can only be scheduled by a doctor who has personally met with a woman and determined whether she is voluntarily seeking an abortion. An abortion could not be performed in the 72 hours after that first consultation.

The woman also would have to consult with a pregnancy help center to get information about services available to help her give birth and keep a child. The state would publish a list of pregnancy help centers that seek to persuade women not to have abortions.

The Judiciary Committee voted 9-4 to send the measure to the full House for further debate.